In 2017 we received the results of our most comprehensive Scout survey of communications. Using these insights plus data on how our communications perform, we identified some key opportunities to improve the way we communicate with you.

Firstly, the research told us that the magazine is the most popular form of communication; it inspires, provides relevant content, and makes volunteers feel valued in their role. It was good to see that our communications performed as well as, and in some cases, better than other organisations.

Respondents said they prefer email and web content as a way to receive information. However we know from recent email statistics that fewer members are now reading ScoutingPlus. Our research showed that members felt that ScoutingPlus is too frequent and that important information doesn’t stand out amongst other content.

Over the past year, we’ve been improving the way UK headquarters communicates with you. As part of this work, we are about to trial a monthly membership email that will replace your weekly ScoutingPlus.

A new monthly membership email

To reduce and simplify your emails, we’re going to stop ScoutingPlus this month and replace it with a new monthly membership email from early June. This trial will last three months after which we will decide, based on your feedback, whether or not to make it a permanent change. To support you in your role, the new email will contain essential information and reminders including important changes to rules and policies. We also aim to make sure important messages stand out so that you’re informed and have time to take action. We’ll continue to tailor messages by role so the email you receive from UK headquarters is relevant to you. We will also continue to send single specific emails about projects that are underway, but only when relevant.

The right information to the right people

By tailoring messages by role, we’ll make sure the right information gets to the right people. We have already introduced regular online calls for District Commissioners, and County/Area/Region Commissioners and Chairs hosted by Team UK, and we will continue to focus on communications that support key Line Managers in Scouting.

Choose what you wish to receive

We’ve updated Compass to help you change your communication preferences. To continue to receive offers and discounts from partners, Scout Store, Unity Scout Insurance Services and Scout Adventures, please visit Compass and make your selection. You can also choose to receive the magazine by email and add specific Scouting topics to your monthly membership email.

Continued improvement

During the trial of the monthly membership email, we will ask for your feedback to make sure we’re effectively providing you with the right information for your role. Of course, if necessary, we’ll adapt your email to better support you.

What can I do to make sure I get the right messages?

To help make sure you get the information you need, please check that your email address is correct on Compass and that your main role is set to ‘primary’ on Compass. You should have a unique email address (not shared with a family member) so that you receive communications for your specific role in Scouting. Please login and update your communication preferences in Compass.